NPHET meets to discuss easing restrictions sooner for parents with young families

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet on Friday to discuss the possibility of easing lockdown restrictions sooner than planned, particularly in the case of parents with young families.

Public health representatives have acknowledged the difficulties experienced by parents and children younger than 18 struggling to cope under draconian restrictions on movement and social interaction.

NPHET is expected to consider ways of reducing the burden of pandemic limitation policies on this demographic, particularly as the rate of transmission of COVID-19 may be lower among those aged under 18.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will meet on Friday to discuss the possibility of easing lockdown restrictions sooner than planned, particularly in the case of parents with young families. Pic: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

While concerns have proliferated concerning the development of Kawasaki disease among young children diagnosed with coronavirus, studies have indicated that children infected with COVID-19 do not generally experience significant symptoms, and may be less likely to infect those around them.

As the daily fatality and infection figures released by the HSE remain low, it has been suggested that the Government may be able to accelerate the easing of restrictions if positive trends continue.

Public health representatives have acknowledged the difficulties experienced by parents and children younger than 18 struggling to cope under draconian restrictions on movement and social interaction. Pic: Shutterstock

‘But it’s far too soon to make that call because we still don’t know what the impact is of the easing of restrictions this Monday and we won’t know that really until the first week of June.’

Speaking about Friday’s NPHET meeting, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn indicated that the HSE may consider altering the criteria surrounding COVID-19 testing: ‘Certainly given the capacity we have, we want to ensure that anyone who needs to be tested will be tested.

On Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated: ‘I’d like to be in the situation where we can accelerate the reopening of the country.’ Pic: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

‘Whether that’s individuals in the community as a whole or if there’s particular sectors or groups that need an enhanced testing strategy or approach.

‘We’re in a very fortunate position now that we have very significant spare capacity. What we need to ensure is that we can capitalise on that as and when we need it over the coming weeks.’

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